Kick-Starting Your Belarus 250As: A Beginner's Guide

The Belarus 250AS is a tractor that was manufactured in Minsk, Belarus, and sold in North America under different brand names such as Belarus, NorTrac, and Northern Tool. It has a range of unique features for its size and class, including an air-cooled diesel engine, adjustable axle height, and a full light package. The tractor has a mechanical transmission with 8 forward gears and 6 reverse gears, and a power take-off (PTO) speed of 540 RPM. While it is a heavy-duty machine, some users have reported issues with starting the tractor, particularly with the glow plug resistor and the starter motor.

Jump-starting the engine

Firstly, ensure you have the correct equipment. This tractor uses a 12-volt, negative ground electrical system, so you will need a 12-volt battery. It is recommended to have two 6-volt batteries connected in series to provide enough amps to start the tractor without damaging the starter. You will also need suitable battery cables to connect the batteries to the tractor.

Now, locate the batteries on the tractor. On the Belarus 250AS, the batteries are typically found in a battery compartment tray that slides out for easy access. Once you have located the batteries, connect the jumper cables to the batteries, ensuring that you connect the cables to the correct terminals. The positive terminal is usually marked with a "+" sign, and the negative terminal with a "-" sign.

Next, you will need to locate the starter motor. On the Belarus 250AS, the starter motor is typically found near the batteries. It is a 12-volt motor with a solenoid switch. Connect the other ends of the jumper cables to the starter motor, ensuring that you connect the positive and negative cables correctly.

With the jumper cables connected, you are now ready to start the engine. Turn the key in the ignition to the "Start" position. You may need to depress a clutch or brake pedal, depending on the model of your tractor. Once the engine turns over and starts, you can release the key and the clutch/brake pedal.

It is important to allow the engine to warm up before putting it under load. The tractor may have a decompression lever and a glow plug in the intake manifold to aid with cold starts. Consult your tractor's manual for specific instructions on using these features.

Finally, once the engine is running, you can disconnect the jumper cables and continue using your tractor. Ensure that you disconnect the cables in the reverse order that you connected them to avoid any electrical short circuits.

Troubleshooting electrical issues

Firstly, it is important to familiarise yourself with the electrical system of the tractor. The Belarus 250AS has a 12-volt electrical system, with two 6-volt batteries connected in series to provide the required voltage. This setup ensures enough amps to power the starter and prevent burn-out.

If you encounter issues with the fuel gauge and ammeter, as some users have, it may be due to a faulty sending unit and alternator respectively. To test the alternator, check the battery voltage when the tractor is not running and then again when it is running. The battery voltage should be in the 12.5-volt range when not running and between 13-14 volts when running.

For the fuel gauge, the sender is a simple rheostat, so connecting an ohm meter should show varying resistance when moved.

The Belarus 250AS uses replaceable wire fuses, which can be tested with an ohm meter. If you prefer, you can also switch to a normal blade fuse panel, ensuring the amps remain the same.

Some users have reported issues with the glow plug resistor, which can get hot and even smoke and smell. This may be due to a ground problem or a faulty resistor. A multimeter can be used to test the resistor for breaks or discoloration.

Finally, if you are encountering issues with the starter, you may want to replace the factory starter with a gear reduction drive starter, which will increase starter speed and improve reliability. Upgrading the battery cables can also help by allowing more amperage to reach the starter.

Adjusting the brakes

To adjust the brakes, start by unscrewing the four screws on the top cover of the differential housing on each side. You will then see two nuts; unscrew these, and tighten the larger nut underneath, which is the adjusting nut. There are also three setscrews outside the housing that can be adjusted. Screw these to the end, and then unscrew them for two turns. This should give you the correct amount of brake pressure.

If you need to replace the brake bands, you can purchase new ones online. It is also possible to buy a puller to help remove the old brake bands. This tool fits around the pin and presses against the housing body to pull out the bands.

Finally, it is worth noting that the brakes on the Belarus 250AS have been described as "weak" and "not working" by some users. This may be due to the design of the internal band brakes, which are adjusted by tightening the nut on the band brake itself. If you are still having issues with your brakes after following these steps, it may be worth seeking further advice or considering an alternative brake system.

Changing the oil

To change the oil in your Belarus 250AS, you will first need to determine the weight of the oil you will need. This will depend on the climate you are in. For warmer climates, a straight 40-weight oil will be suitable, while for cooler climates, a 30-weight oil will be more appropriate. If you experience both hot and cold weather, a 15w40 oil will be a good option, or even a 5w40 synthetic oil, which will be better for the air-cooled engine.

Next, you will need to gather the necessary tools and materials, including a new oil filter, a container to catch the old oil, and a funnel. Before beginning the oil change, ensure the engine is cool, and place the container underneath the oil pan. Locate the oil drain plug and remove it, allowing the old oil to drain into the container. Once the oil has drained completely, replace the drain plug.

Now, locate the oil filter and remove it, taking care not to spill oil on the engine. Clean the mounting surface of the oil filter, and install the new oil filter, ensuring it is tightened securely. Check your owner's manual to determine the oil capacity of your tractor, which is approximately 7.4 quarts for the Belarus 250AS. Finally, add the new oil through the oil filler cap, using a funnel to avoid spills. Start the engine and check for any leaks, then turn off the engine and recheck the oil level, topping it off as needed.

It is recommended to perform oil changes regularly, following the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual, to ensure the optimal performance and longevity of your Belarus 250AS tractor.

Checking the hydraulics

Locate the hydraulic fluid reservoir: The hydraulic fluid reservoir on your Belarus 250AS is located under the hood, usually towards the back of the engine compartment. It is typically a metal or plastic tank with a screw-on cap and a dipstick for checking the fluid level.

Check the hydraulic fluid level: Before checking the fluid level, park your tractor on a level surface and allow the engine to cool down for a few minutes. Then, remove the dipstick, wipe it clean, and reinsert it fully into the reservoir. Finally, remove the dipstick again and check that the fluid level is between the "Full" and "Add" marks on the dipstick. If the fluid level is low, add more hydraulic fluid of the type recommended in your owner's manual.

Inspect the hydraulic hoses and connections: With the engine off, carefully inspect the hydraulic hoses and connections for any signs of leaks, cracks, or damage. Look for wet spots, puddles of fluid, or signs of fluid leakage around the hoses and connections. If you notice any issues, tighten the connections or replace the hoses as needed.

Check for hydraulic fluid leaks: Start the engine and operate the hydraulic controls to raise and lower the implements or attachments. Keep an eye out for any signs of fluid leaks around the hydraulic system, including the reservoir, hoses, connections, and cylinders. If you notice any leaks, shut off the engine and address the issue before continuing.

Monitor the hydraulic system performance: While operating the tractor, pay attention to how the hydraulic system performs. Notice whether the implements or attachments respond smoothly and quickly to the controls, or if they seem sluggish or slow to react. Also, listen for any unusual noises, such as squealing or grinding sounds, which could indicate a problem with the hydraulic pump or other components.

Check for overheating: After operating the tractor for a while, turn off the engine and allow it to cool down. Then, carefully touch the hydraulic reservoir and hoses to feel if they are excessively hot. Overheating can be a sign of a problem with the hydraulic system, such as a clogged filter or a failing pump.

If you notice any issues or abnormalities during your inspection, further troubleshooting or repairs may be necessary. It is important to address any problems with the hydraulic system promptly to ensure the safe and efficient operation of your Belarus 250AS tractor.

Frequently asked questions